The good news is the Israeli public is waking up. Most probably this new Knesset will be a temporary one as hopefully the country will start moving away from the cynical, business-like political system that is crashing all over the western world.
Politics is neither hobby, nor profession. Representing the voting public is a mission, a service. We should hope that the rookies not only do not learn "Bibi's game" but they force revolutionary changes how people are represented and how the country is run.
Israel's future depends on the unbreakable unity of the people and the total support of Jews worldwide, which is only possible when decision makers and the people of the street unite and take decisions and responsibilities together.

Zsolt ,

Wanganui,NZ

(01.24.13)

2. Priorities are Important

Israel needs to focus more on the welfare of Israelis and less on trying to appease it's enemies. Here are some priorities:
Army for all, stronger middle class, more jobs, cleaner environment, better social programs, resolve illegal immigration, defending Israel against Iran, eliminating Hamas, defending Israel against the PLO-PA, and forming a united front against Israel's enemies.

Chaim Ben Kahan ,

Efrat, Israel

(01.24.13)

3. Vengeance or stupidity

Lapid is vengeanace of electors on political system.
This a trap as before as immaturity is shows its presents again and again.
Was created a political reality that you cut off ability to govern and open the path to blackmail.

Avram Goldsmith ,

Toronto, Canada

(01.24.13)

4. Yeah,right: just like each war's end usheres"Peace on Earth"

so will this "revenge" at best be change of guards until the rot sets in.
But hey, the Manchurian got into the White House promising "Change" (and he delivered); just not what the schmucks imagined!

tom ,

tel aviv

(01.24.13)

5. Ehud Barak? what happened to him?

can anyone tell me what party he was affiliated with? I can not remember him in the campaigns.

ma nishma ,

modiin

(01.24.13)

6. to #5. Ehud Barak had retired from politics.

Jim

(01.24.13)

7. Excuse me, but ....

.... while Israel's internal priorities may have changed, the external ones haven't. No one is handing the ersatz "Palestinians" a mandate. And watch Yair Lapid become increasingly tough on the ersatz "Palestinians."
He does not like them any more than we do. His "atid" very definitely does not include them. It's high time we dealt with the cancer in our midst.
Obama is in for a big surprise, that's for sure.

Sarah B ,

U.S.A. / Israel

(01.24.13)

8. a great opinion piece by Mr. Kleinberg

Full of hope & maybe's.........only it's not very realistic.
Israel might have 'changed, her enemies have to (more hatefull, more fanatic, more islamic with more deadly arms).
Despite all the euphoria, there hasn't been in all of Israel's history a 'new liberal middle party that has survived. They come in with flashy names but end like young Lapid's fathers party and others before & after him. Last victim: Kadima!